Snoqualmie Falls

Free Parking and Viewing Area

Short Hiking Trail1.3 Miles

Dog Friendly (leash required)

Nearby Eateries 1 mile

Overview

Snoqualime Falls is one of the grandest waterfalls that the United States has to offer. Being 268 foot, 82 meter wide, the waterfall has become a major source of naturally generated hydro-electric power for the reigion. Because of the immense size there is opportunities to view the falls from different angles from the park area or from a small platform accessible through a moderate 1.3 mile hike.

The best time to join the fun is from June until December. The park receives on average 1.5 million visitors per year for hiking, walking, birding, witnessing the famous waterfall featured in the cult classic “Twin Peaks.”

The location also features the Salish Lodge and Spa, a lovely resort getaway. This is where the Northwest Cuisine shines with seasonal ingredients, homegrown herbs, and honey featured from their own apiary. The award winning spa is also nothing short of relaxing serenity as you can soak in the therapeutic pools and have the chance to stock up on organic skin care products.

History

Snoqualime Falls marked an important location for the Native American population; although there were no salmon available above the falls, it became a seasonal meeting place where trading was encouraged and grew more common. The Snoqualime Tribe (a branch of the Coast Salish) established a camp at the base of Mount Si. Fall City and Tolt were also established by these people.

Snoqualmie is the English pronunciation of “sah-KOH-koh” or “Sdob-dwahibbluh,” a Salish word meaning moon. It makes sense then, that the people were known as “people of the moon.”

The falls became a tourist destination and as more settlers came in, Jeremiah Borst got the claim to be the first white resident near the early 1850s. By 1877, Snoqualime Falls became part of the many regions invested in lumber and logging. Logs used to float downstream, over the falls, and into the Pugent Sound area.

Charles Baker, a civil engineer, officiated the town of Snoqualime. He also constructed an underground power plant at the falls in the 1890s (those original generators are still functioning today). The power plant resulted in electricity and jobs for locals, and soon a small company town was established at the falls. In 1911, a second powerhouse was constructed.

Twin Peaks and Other Entertainment

Snoqualime Falls was featured in the cult classic hit in “Twin Peaks” where waterfall seemed mysterious and remote, but in reality it’s very open and accessible to the public. The best part is that the camera crew of Twin Peaks used the scenic overlook to get the majority of their shots. Meaning, a perfect recreation shot or footage of the falls requires only a gentle walk and a camera.

The Salish Lodge and Spa is a treasure for the fans of the show, as it was called The Great Northern Hotel in the show. Inside, you can visit their gift shops filled with Twin Peaks inspired knick knacks, coffee, cherry pie filling, log pillows, and more. The lodge is a function hotel, so if one is a guest, renting room 315 may not be out of the question.